The Queen congratulates Corrie cast

The Queen has sent a congratulatory message to the cast of Coronation Street for their 50th anniversary.

According to the Daily Star Sunday, a letter from Her Majesty was read out by executive producer Kieran Roberts at Manchester's Hilton Hotel where the birthday celebrations took place on Friday.

Video messages were also played from Snoop Dogg, Prime Minister David Cameron, Steven Gerrard, Julie Walters and Ant and Dec, while Bill Roache (Ken Barlow) received a special letter from Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who is apparently a huge fan of the show.

A source said: "There was a lot of back-patting going on, congratulating each other. It was a good do, though, and ITV spared no expense in making it a night to remember. The party went on until nearly two o'clock and by that time there were some pretty good shapes being thrown on the dance floor.

"The bar bill must have been pretty hefty as no-one was holding back on the champagne. They tried to behave despite all the booze because no-one wanted to bring shame on the soap on such a special night. They are carefully watched these days and no-one wants to attract any bad headlines."